In English National Opera's new Trittico, the admirable partnership of Patrick Mason (on leave from the Abbey) and Joe Vanek furnishes spectacular proof of the vitality that traditional theatrical values can still bring to opera. There is nothing remotely old-fashioned about their production, but Puccini's three one-act operas are presented without distortion or vainglorious self-indulgence, contrasting perfectly in style and balance and staged with a refreshing lack of nonsense.

Each of them is set roughly in period, evoked with telling insight by Joe Vanek's designs and Nick Chelton's imaginative lighting. The barge for Tabarro is shrouded in sullen, smoky red mists, with the waters of the Seine rippling dimly through. In Suor Angelica the spare, white convent walls, the calm lighting and the small diversions of the nuns suggest an age when religious life was a simple matter of unquestioning obedience, while the fairytale trappings of Schicchi recall medieval Florence in a light-hearted fashion wholly compatible with this comic romp.

Three strong casts, under the Taiwanese conductor, ShaoChia Lu, bring the works to life. There is impressive singing from Rosalind Plowright, Philip Joll and David Rendall in the opening melodrama and in Suor Angelica Anne Williams-King's sweet tone and appealing presence makes the title role a more full-blooded study than usual. Andrew Shore gives a hilarious, virtuoso performance as Gianni Schicchi and in each opera the vital supporting roles are cast from formidable strength.